Central Peninsula Hospital | Pulse | Spring/Summer 2020

On a list of the greatest gifts you could give your kids, a healthy heart would be near the top. After all, heart disease is the nation's No. 1 killer. And it often starts in childhood. Helping your kids develop lifelong heart- healthy habits, especially those centered around eating well and being active, is one way to give that gift. Use these tips to make heart health a family affair: Check in with a doctor. Ask your children's doctor if they should be screened with blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol or body mass index (BMI) tests. These offer clues about heart disease risk. Find time to eat together. Frequent family meals promote healthier eating and healthy weight. Don't insist on a clean plate. Allow your chil- dren to stop eating when full. Increase fruits and vegetables. They help with weight and blood pressure control. Emphasize healthy foods. Make fast food the exception, not the rule. And cook heart-friendly foods at home. Make a menu change. Yank saturated fat, ex- cess sodium and added sugar from your family's menu when possible. Live by example. Kids pay attention to what you eat—as well as howmuch you exercise and whether you engage in habits like smoking that Four great questions for your doctor These questions can help you better understand your medical care and what you need to do to stay healthy. What treatments or tests do you recommend for me? Why do I need this medicine, therapy or test? Are there possible risks or side effects I should know about? What else can I do to improve my health? A tool for better health Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health 1 2 3 4 READY WHEN YOU NEED IT! Cut this card out for your wallet. Helping your kids develop lifelong healthy habits is one way to give the gift of a healthy heart. Make healthy hearts a Find a physician for every member of your family. Call Central Peninsula Family Practice at 907-714-4111 . We have locations in Kenai and Soldotna for your convenience. 6 Central Peninsula Hospital